After Hours

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The Mavericks’ former lead singer has spent most of his solo career lending his mammoth voice to well-worn songs, an approach that got a little tired on last year’s sleepy Only the Lonely. After Hours benefits from a more focused concept and a lot more energy, as Raul charges up 10 country classics with swingin’ arrangements. And he knows a classic when he hears it—Dwight Yoakam’s “Pocket of a Clown” and “It Only Hurts Me When I Cry” hold their own perfectly well here next to the likes of Kris Kristofferson’s “For the Good Times” and Hank Williams’ “Cold, Cold Heart.”